Gear selector positions for automatic transmissions

In vehicles with an automatic transmission, the system selects the optimal gear for the current driving conditions. The transmission also has a manual mode.
P6-1817-XC40-Automatic gearshifter with DIM

The instrument panel shows which gear is currently in use:

P, R, N, D or M.

For manual shifting, the gear indicator in the instrument panel displays the gear currently being used.

Selecting gears

The gear selector is a shift-by-wire selector, where shifting is done electronically instead of mechanically. This makes shifting easier and the gear positions more distinct.

P6-1746-XC40-Shift positions automatic gearbox

Change gear position by pushing the spring-loaded gear selector forward or rearward, or to the side for manual shifting.

Gear selector positions

Park - P

Park is activated using the P button located next to the gear selector.

Select P when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. The vehicle must be stationary when Park is selected.

To move to another gear from Park, the brake pedal must be depressed and the ignition in mode II.

When parking – apply the parking brake before shifting to Park.

 Warning

Always apply the parking brake when parking on an incline. Selecting a gear or putting the automatic transmission in P may not be sufficient to keep the vehicle stationary in all situations.

 Note

The gear selector must be in the P position before the vehicle can be locked and the alarm set.

Help functions

The system will automatically shift to P

  • if the ignition is switched off while D or R is selected.
  • if the driver unbuckles the seat belt and opens the driver's door while the vehicle is running with the gear selector in a gear other than P.

To park a vehicle with an unbuckled seat belt and open door – end P mode by shifting to R or D again.

The system will not automatically shift to P if the ignition is switched off while the gear selector is in the neutral position (N). This is to make it possible to wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash in which the vehicle is pulled forward on rolling wheels.

Reverse - R

Select R when backing up. The vehicle must be stationary when Reverse is selected.

Neutral - N

No gear is selected and the engine can be started. Apply the parking brake if the vehicle is stationary with the gear selector in N.

To move the gear selector from Neutral to another gear, the brake pedal must be depressed and the ignition in mode II.

D drive mode

D is the normal driving gear position. The transmission shifts up or down automatically depending on acceleration and speed.

The vehicle must be stationary when the gear selector is moved from R to D.

Manual shifting mode - M

P6-1746-XC40-Gear shift mode M in DIM

Manual shifting mode can be selected at any time during a drive. Engine braking will occur when the accelerator pedal is released.

Select manual shifting mode by moving the gear selector rearward from the D position. The currently selected gear will be displayed in the instrument panel.

  • Push the gear selector to the right toward "+" (plus) and release to shift up one gear.
  • Push the gear selector to the left toward "–" (minus) and release to shift down one gear.
  • Push the gear selector rearward to return to D mode.

For smooth shifting and engine performance, the transmission will shift down automatically if the vehicle's speed becomes too low for the selected gear.

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